JUUL e-cigarettes are part of a large class of battery-operated e-cigarette devices that heat a pod of “e-liquid” into a vapor which is inhaled and then exhaled by the user, i.e. “vaping”. The e-liquid contains numerous chemicals, different flavorings and nicotine. According to JUUL Labs, the maker of JUUL e-cigarettes, the mission of the company is to eliminate the use of traditional cigarettes and their use is intended for adult smokers who want to stop smoking.
Unfortunately, while allegedly intended for adult use, e-cigarette use, and in particular “JUULing”, has become extremely popular with young people. According to data on truthiniative.org, the odds of 15-17-year-olds using JUUL are 16 times greater compared to those aged 25-34. Vaping in schools across the country is reaching epidemic levels. Resembling a USB drive, a JUUL can be easily hidden by students from teachers and administrators. The odorless vapor can be inhaled and exhaled in a matter of seconds with no trace. “JUULing” has become extremely popular in schools across the country. While cigarette smoking in young people has been in steady decline, vaping and particularly JUUL usage is on the rise exposing young people to dangerous levels of nicotine. While purporting to serve only adults, the makers of JUUL have been accused of targeting children with the sleek design of the device and the hundreds of flavors offered, examples include bubblegum, strawberry milk and watermelon to name a few. JUULs also contains extremely high levels of nicotine compared to their competitors; double the amount in some cases. The nicotine level in one JUUL pod is the equivalent of an entire pack of cigarettes. This makes the product extremely addictive, especially to young people whose brains are still developing.